Remembering Jane Goodall (1934-2025)

 

Jane Goodall was a pioneer in the fields of primatology. Here decades long career was spent studying chimpanzees. The study of primates allows for a greater understanding of anthropology. Chimpanzees have an intricate system of social behavior. Jane Goodall was able to direct observation of these primates in Gombe National Park. Jane Goodall first when to the park to do research in 1960. What she observed were animals that were capable of various emotions, but were also intelligent. Goodall thought that chimpanzees generally were peaceful. Although she did note troops would engage in violence. Chimpanzees also are capable of tool making. Chimpanzees Jane Goodall observed were also omnivores. They will eat a combination of insects and fruit. During the late 20th century, Goodall became more concerned about the environment and the protection of animal life. She became active in conservation and warned about the dangers of climate change. Chimpanzees are under threat from deforestation, poaching, and human inflicted damage to the environment. Conservation is needed to not only protect wildlife, but to ensure Earth's survival. Jane Goodall's research and activism provides a blueprint for zoological study and preserving species who are at risk for extinction.   

The 80th Anniversary of The United Nations

 

It was in 1945 that the United Nations was established. The devastation of World War II required a new international platform to confront international disputes. The failure of the League of Nations to confront fascism resulted in its demise. The United Nations was intended to be a platform of diplomacy as a method to prevent war or a wider global conflict. The United Nations since its birth has failed to meet these objectives. During the Cold War, the UN was unable to provide a peaceful solution to the Vietnam War, challenge Apartheid South Africa, or the Soviet Union's invasion of Hungary and Czechoslovakia. The United States was never subject sanctions for wars of aggression in Asia, Latin America, and  the Middle East. Controversies over peacekeeping forces and the question of national sovereignty is a constant issue. The United Nations continues to be dominated by major world powers. The Security Council needs to become more democratic to include more nations. The five permanent members include France, the UK, US, China, and the Russian Federation. Five nations with ten rotating non-permanent members should not be making global security decisions  for the entire world. The UN policies directed at certain nations reveals a bias. North Korea and Iran are subject to UN sanctions, yet Israel is not punished for the Gaza War. The UN has not proposed peace agreements related to the Russia-Ukraine War. The UN's actions and in Libya, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo  and Haiti are reminders of institutional failures. If reform does not take place, the UN could disband like the League of Nations. The United Nations over the years has been not a place of diplomacy. Rather, it legitimizes waging war against nations mostly in Africa and Asia. If a large scale global war takes place, the United Nations would not survive. Too much faith and legitimacy has been lost in the institution. Changing internal governance structure, an equal application of international law,  and emphasizing diplomatic solutions can ensure the survival of the United Nations.      

Assata Shakur Articulates The Importance of Socialism (1996)

Assata Shakur (1947-2025) was an activist and one of the leaders of the Black Liberation Army. The BLA split from the Black Panther Party and promoted socialism as well as black nationalism. The FBI during the 1970s was on a campaign to wipe out leftist organizations in the United States. Assata Shakur was accused of murder of state troopers, but evidence for the 1973 case was lacking. The 1977 Werner Foerster murder case made another accusation, but despite disputable claims Assata was convicted of murder. What appeared to be happening was the FBI was persecuting Assata Shakur as a means of dismantling the Black Liberation Army. Shakur believed that socialism could be a means of fighting economic inequality, imperialism, and oppression. Assata Shakur escaped prison and was granted political asylum in Cuba . It was 1984, when Assata Shakur was given protection from the US government. Cuba has since 1962 been threatened by the United States. US empire continues to cause deaths. During the Cold War Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia were subject to atrocities by the United States. The  people of the Global South share a common oppressor as African Americans Assata Shakur stated in 1996. The illusion of progress is the idea that African Americans becoming more active in capitalist enterprise means freedom. Accepting the economic system preserves an authoritarian political structure. Shakur never stopped being an activist, even though she was in exile.   

 

The Concerns of The Central Bank of Nigeria

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria is facing a series of challenges. The new tax reforms going into effect next year have generated controversy. Nigerians could find that their bank accounts are going to be subject to more taxation. The wave of tariffs continues to disrupt the economies of various countries. The CBN in April had to sell a total of $200 million to protect the naira. During that month, crude oil prices dropped, which made for a more precarious crisis. Nigeria is reliant on crude oil for foreign exchange. The CBN has not formulated a policy to address tariffs, debts to the IMF, or the decline in oil prices. CBN this year also sold $197.71 million   to banks to secure Nigeria's position in the foreign exchange market. To certain economists, this appears to be a massive transfer of wealth out of  Nigeria. The oil wealth and the CBN's banking system have not translated into financial security for the population. Concerns about liquidity and regulations are growing. The recommendations made were to use commercial papers to manage possible risk. The commercial paper is a temporary debt tool designed to manage future payments. The CBN began using cash stuffing to manage the situation. While budgeting physical cash was the responsible course of action, the result was increased costs on deposits for consumers. The debt to World Bank is estimated to be $18.2 billion. The CBN's biggest concern is the growing debt from international banking institutions.     

Israel's Attack on Qatar and Expansion of Aggressive War

 

Israel's strike against Hamas leaders residing in Qatar was a turning point. Gulf monarchies are no longer safe from Israel's military aggression. The Gulf monarchies decided to align with the West and the result was a lapse in security. Now, there is a possibility that Jordan and Egypt will break treaties with Israel, because the public's ire continues to grow. Failure to respond forcefully, could induce mass uprising in Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Israel continues to starve and bomb Gaza, but the resistance continues. The Gulf monarchies do not have the military strength to confront Israel, but there are certain options. The shutting down of US bases, an alliance with Iran, and supporting various armed groups could do much to halt Israeli expansion. Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his desire to see an independent Palestinian state. Qatar has been known to arm a number of Islamist groups. These armed groups were active in Syria and Libya. Qatar could direct armed groups against Israel if more strikes continue. Violations of national sovereignty and blatant anti-Arab racism are not going to be tolerated. The following months could see immense blowback either from the Gulf monarchies or other non-state actors. Ministers are gathering to discuss punishments that Israel should face. The Doha attack signals the death of the Abraham Accords. The more violent Israel becomes, the more unity is created among Arab states. Diplomatic isolation in West Asia could have major economic consequences. Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Kuwait are not dependent on Israel for trade. The attack on Qatar somewhat parallels the attack on Tunisia in 1985. The PLO's base in the country was attacked and the sovereignty of a country was violated.     

The Nepal Protests and Violence

 

The Nepalese public became even more vexed with the ineffectiveness of their government. The youth became active in demonstrations, which resulted in attacks on government buildings. Gen Z was represented the most in the protests. Images are now being seen of the parliament building being set into flames. Prior to this, there was an attempt to ban social media. The reason was to stop organizing and undermine free press. The protests forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli into resignation. His own safety is at risk, with protesters attacking his residence. Economics was a factor  in the violence. Large amounts of unemployed youth are struggling. The upper class of Nepal is able to maintain a higher standard of living. Simultaneously, Nepal is dependent on finances from citizens living abroad. Personal remittances are transfers of funds that are non-commercial. Individuals do send money to their families, yet this should not be the basis the the gross national product. Decades of this practice left Nepal in an unstable economic condition.  No party obtained a majority, so forming a new government would be difficult. Nepal could descend into a coup or a possible civil war. If the military takes over, violence will escalate. Law enforcement has already engaged in violence against protesters. A change in government at some stage will attract the attention of India and Pakistan. More instability might cause certain citizens to propose reestablishing the monarchy. The question remains is if the protesters and the government can reach a consensus.  

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Seeks Another Term

 

Political factionalism continues to be a part of the government of Guinea-Bissau. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo wants to seek a second term. At first, President Embalo expressed that there was no intent to extend his presidency. Guinea-Bissau has struggled with coup attempts and instability since independence. The current controversy facing the politics of the country is the debate over term limits. The opposition claims that the president's term expired. The Supreme Court holds the position the presidential term expires in September. The political opposition does not dictate presidential term limits. The Constitution of Guinea-Bissau lists the powers and rules of the presidency. The political opposition most likely wants to remove him by extra legal means. A coup was allegedly thwarted in 2022. The start of the Embaldo administration was met with conflicts with the parliament. The dissolving of the parliament in 2022, resulted in rescheduling elections. Guinea-Bissau has not experienced a coup since 2012. The military establishment retains an abnormal influence on government. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo navigates between a contentious parliament and a ubiquitous military. Tensions are rising about what happens with the next elections. Guinea-Bissau has gone 13 years without a coup and it was during the Embalo presidency ECOWAS troops left.